A Durham man who rebuilt his life after years in mental health services is now supporting others on their recovery journey through the NHS.
Simon, 43, spent 14 years accessing mental health services before personalised care helped him regain his independence.
He now works as a peer practitioner for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, drawing on his own journey to support people facing similar challenges.
Simon said: "Everything I went through has value now because I can use those experiences to help other people.
"When you've faced similar challenges yourself, people often feel more comfortable opening up and talking about what's really going on."
He felt cut off from support until a care coordinator helped him create a plan based on his goals.
Simon said: "The plan was written with me, not for me.
"It focused on what mattered to me and gave me a sense of ownership over my recovery."
The plan set out manageable steps to rebuild his confidence, engage with services and reconnect with his community.
Simon said: "Every small step helped me move forward and build confidence in myself.
"Being around peers who had been through similar experiences showed me that recovery was possible.
"Seeing people further along in their journey gave me hope, helped me believe in myself and inspired me to keep taking those next steps."
He overcame personal challenges, regained his independence, learnt to drive and found work.
Simon eventually trained as a peer practitioner — a role he once thought was beyond him.
Peer practitioners are employed for their personal experience of mental health difficulties and recovery.
By sharing their experiences, they offer hope, challenge stigma and help shape care around each person.
Simon said: "People need to know that recovery is possible.
"Sometimes seeing someone who has been through similar experiences and come out the other side can make all the difference."
He believes his background helps him push for care shaped around each person’s needs and wishes.
Simon said: "Everyone's recovery journey is different.
"The most important thing is listening to people without judgement and understanding what matters to them."
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He hopes his story will show the value of personal experience in mental health services.
Simon said: "This role has given meaning to everything I've been through.
"If my experiences can help someone feel understood, find hope or take the next step in their recovery, then that's something really positive."
Simon’s story was shared to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10.